Bbq Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe

If you love the flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger, then this BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is going to be your new favorite comfort food. Imagine juicy, tender meatloaf loaded with smoky bacon, tangy BBQ sauce, gooey cheese, and topped with crispy bacon and melted cheddar. It's the ultimate mashup of two beloved dishes: the cheeseburger and the meatloaf! Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even a special family meal, this recipe brings all your favorite flavors into one hearty and delicious loaf. Let’s dive into the full recipe and discover how to make it, along with tips for variations and serving ideas!

What Is BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf?

BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf takes all the best components of a bacon cheeseburger—ground beef, bacon, cheese, BBQ sauce, and toppings—and combines them into a flavorful, tender meatloaf. The ground beef is mixed with breadcrumbs, seasonings, cheese, and chopped bacon, and then slathered with BBQ sauce and baked to perfection. It’s a rich and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any meat lover and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

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Ingredients List for BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

For the Meatloaf:

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 for juicier meatloaf)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 2 tablespoons mustard
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of choice)
• 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
• ½ cup BBQ sauce (plus more for topping)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Topping:

• 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup BBQ sauce

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Substitutions and Variations

This BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:

1. Ground Meat Variations:
   You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a combination of ground beef and ground pork for a different flavor and texture. If you're looking for a leaner option, go with ground turkey, but note that the meatloaf may be slightly less juicy.
2. Cheese Options:
   While cheddar cheese is a classic cheeseburger choice, you can use any cheese you love. Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even smoked gouda for a smoky twist. A combination of cheeses also works great!
3. BBQ Sauce:
   Use your favorite BBQ sauce in this recipe! Whether you prefer something sweet, smoky, or spicy, pick a BBQ sauce that matches your taste. You can even make your own homemade BBQ sauce if you like.
4. Low-Carb Option:
   To make a low-carb version of this meatloaf, substitute the breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour. You can also use sugar-free BBQ sauce if you’re following a low-carb or keto diet.
5. Add Veggies:
   For added nutrition, finely chop vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms and mix them into the meatloaf mixture. This adds flavor, moisture, and texture to the dish.
6. Spice It Up:
   If you love heat, try adding diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the meatloaf mixture for a spicy kick. You could also use a spicy BBQ sauce or a pepper jack cheese for extra heat.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.
2. Cook the Bacon:
   Fry the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain the bacon on a paper towel and crumble it once it has cooled. Set aside half for the meatloaf mixture and the rest for topping.
3. Make the Meatloaf Mixture:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, chopped onion, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon (from the first batch), BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
4. Shape the Meatloaf:
   Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking sheet or loaf pan. Shape it into a loaf, pressing it together lightly but firmly so it holds its shape. If using a loaf pan, press the meat mixture evenly into the pan.
5. Bake the Meatloaf:
   Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
6. Top with Bacon, Cheese, and BBQ Sauce:
   After the meatloaf has baked, remove it from the oven and spread an additional ½ cup of BBQ sauce over the top. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon (from the second batch) on top of the BBQ sauce.
7. Broil for Extra Gooeyness:
   Return the meatloaf to the oven, turn on the broiler, and broil for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Rest and Serve:
   Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and makes for a more tender meatloaf. Slice and serve with your favorite sides!

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How to Cook BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients: Combine ground beef, bacon, cheese, and seasonings.
2. Shape and Bake: Form the mixture into a loaf and bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes.
3. Top with Cheese and Bacon: Spread BBQ sauce, sprinkle with cheese and bacon, and broil until bubbly.
4. Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest before slicing for juicy, tender slices.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overmixing the Meatloaf:
   Be careful not to overmix the meatloaf mixture. Overworking the meat can result in a dense, tough texture. Mix just until everything is combined.
2. Skipping the Resting Time:
   Letting the meatloaf rest after baking is crucial for allowing the juices to settle. Cutting into it too soon can cause the juices to run out, leaving you with a drier meatloaf.
3. Not Using a Meat Thermometer:
   It’s important to cook the meatloaf to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure that it’s fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness rather than guessing.
4. Not Adding Enough Seasoning:
   Don’t skimp on the seasonings! The ground beef needs plenty of seasoning to develop that rich, cheeseburger flavor. Be generous with the spices, mustard, Worcestershire, and BBQ sauce.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

This BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is packed with bold flavors, so it pairs perfectly with classic comfort food sides. Here are a few ideas to round out your meal and make the presentation shine:

1. Serve with Fries or Wedges:
   For a full cheeseburger experience, serve this meatloaf with crispy French fries, sweet potato fries, or roasted potato wedges. It’s the perfect way to get that "burger and fries" vibe in a comfort food format.
2. Add a Fresh Salad:
   Balance out the rich flavors of the meatloaf with a light and fresh side salad. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or coleslaw will cut through the richness of the cheese and bacon.
3. Top with Pickles or Jalapeños:
   Garnish each slice of meatloaf with a couple of pickle slices or jalapeño rings for that authentic cheeseburger touch. The pickles add a nice crunch and a bit of acidity to complement the cheesy, smoky flavors.
4. Classic Sides:
   Pair your meatloaf with mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, or baked beans for a hearty, all-American meal. Corn on the cob or coleslaw also make excellent side dishes.

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How to Serve BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

• As a Main Dish: Serve slices of this flavorful meatloaf with fries, a side salad, or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
• Meatloaf Sandwich: The leftovers make a killer sandwich! Serve cold or reheated slices on a toasted bun with extra BBQ sauce, cheese, and pickles for a delicious meatloaf sandwich.
• Meal Prep: This meatloaf is great for meal prep. Slice it into portions and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, reheating it as needed for easy dinners or lunches.

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Presentation Ideas for BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

1. Serve Family-Style: Place the entire meatloaf on a large wooden cutting board or serving platter, allowing everyone to help themselves. Garnish the board with fresh parsley and a side of extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
2. Sliced with Toppings: Serve individual slices of the meatloaf with a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce on top and garnish with crispy bacon bits and fresh parsley for added color.
3. Garnish with Pickles and Onions: Add pickle slices, pickled red onions, or even sautéed onions to the top of each meatloaf slice for that true cheeseburger presentation.

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BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh Bacon: Be sure to cook your bacon until it's crispy but not burnt. The bacon bits should be crispy enough to add texture but not so crunchy that they’re hard.
• Add Extra BBQ Sauce: If you love BBQ sauce, don’t hesitate to add an extra layer of sauce when serving or use it as a dip for your meatloaf slices.
• Let the Meatloaf Rest: Allow the meatloaf to rest for at least 5-10 minutes after baking to make it easier to slice and to ensure the juices redistribute evenly.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the meatloaf ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, follow the recipe as usual.

Q: Can I freeze the meatloaf?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked meatloaf or freeze the cooked meatloaf. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat slices in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Q: Can I make this meatloaf without bacon?
A: Yes, if you prefer to leave out the bacon, you can skip it, but the bacon adds a wonderful smoky flavor to the meatloaf. If you're avoiding bacon, you could add sautéed mushrooms or onions for extra texture and flavor.

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Conclusion

BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food mashup, combining the smoky, cheesy, and juicy flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger with the hearty, homey satisfaction of meatloaf. Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or impressing guests with a flavor-packed meal, this dish is sure to be a hit. With melty cheese, crispy bacon, and a tangy BBQ topping, every bite is packed with rich, indulgent flavor. Try this recipe today and get ready for an irresistible, mouthwatering meal!

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